Nagpur, July 18 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday reacted to reports of a possible merger between the two NCP factions, saying discussions on the matter have been going on for the past two years.

Speaking to reporters, Raut said NCP leaders Supriya Sule and Jayant Patil have denied the reports, adding that they trust their statements.

"Talk of a merger has been going on for two years, but Supriya Tai and Jayant Patil deny it. We trust them," he said.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar chose to stay quiet amid reports of a possible split within his party's ranks, firmly deflecting the speculation by stating, "That's not the subject to talk about right now."

The veteran leader's gu...